Jokerman was the longest shot on the board in the $10,500 Open Pace at Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night (July 11), but showed he was no joke at the finish line.
Registering a seasonal best time of 1:54.4 over the fast track, the determined Jokerman (David McNeight III) managed to nip the heavily favoured Youwillwishyouhad (Kevin Cummings) by a nose and return a healthy $49.60 for the victory.
Watching from fourth as Mr Perseverance put up splits of :27.1, :56 and 1:25.2, Jokerman swung three-wide as the field of six turned from home. Youwillwishyouhad got the lead in the early drive to the wire, but couldn't hold off the pesky Jokerman at the line. Rockstar Temper (Drew Monti), the winner of the past two Saturday night features, finished in third.
Co-owned by trainer Richard Roth along with Robert and Randy Roth, Jokerman (American Ideal-Shark Tail) has now won seven times in 22 starts in 2015, earning $49,644. The six-year-old gelding increased his career bankroll to $98,991.
The toteboard showed that the sub-featured $9,500 Open II Pace was going to be a wide-open affair and the field of eight didn't disappoint. Cobble Beach (Cummings) had a wicked trip, but somehow held on for a head victory over Burton Blue Chip.
Cobble Beach, starting from the eight post, had to race three-wide past the quarter pole before finally settling on top. With fractions of :27.4, :55.2 and 1:25.1, there was no rest for the weary. There were pacers coming from everywhere in the lane, but Cobble Beach turned in a gutsy performance to hold back the attacks put forth by Burton Blue Chip (Lee Dahn), Art Two D Two (Monti) and I C D Moolah (Ron Beback Jr.), who completed the top four placements in the blanket finish.
The five-year-old gelded Cobble Beach has now scored three victories in 23 starts. The win increased his seasonal earnings to $36,560 and lifetime bankroll to $137,602 lifetime. He is owned and trained by James Clouser Jr.
It's a big afternoon of racing coming up Sunday at 1:05 p.m. at Buffalo Raceway. The New York Sire Stakes highlights the program with the three-year-old filly trotters battling it out. Hall of Fame driver John Campbell will be in town, making his first appearance at the track since 1992. He is scheduled to compete in four events.
It's also 'Sunday Funday' with free 'sno' cones, cotton candy, bounce house and crafts for the kids while the trackside grill will also be open during the 13-race card.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)